Artcurial partners with Renault to offer vehicles from the company’s collection

One French national institution has joined forces with another. Commencing with the Le Mans Classic on 2 July, Artcurial will offer rare gems from the 800-car collection amassed by car giant Renault over its 123-year history.

The intention is to release small runs of cars under the 'Renault Icons' label at Artcurial’s regular auctions: Rétromobile in February, Le Mans Classic biennially in July, Automobiles sur les Champs in October. The aim is to refine the giant collection and plan for a future of transport based on new technology. It will not be a special-event ‘fire sale’.

Hugues Portron, Director of Renault Classic, commented:

“To prosper, a collection must evolve, adapt and come alive around a core of major pieces. We are delighted to be supported by Artcurial in this process, and to offer those with a passion for the marque the chance to own a piece of Renault’s extraordinary history.”

The sale comes at a favourable time for interest in more recent F1 machinery after RM’s success with Nigel Mansell’s cars at Monaco last month.

The first eight cars to be presented at Le Mans on 2 July are:

* 1983 Renault RE40 Formula 1 ex-Alain Prost
€800,000 to €1,200,000
 
* 1986 Tyrrell 015 Formula 1 ex- Philippe Streiff
€150,000 to €250,000
 
* 1991 Renault Clio 16S Group A ex-Carlos Tavares
€60,000 to €100,000, No Reserve

* 1999 Renault-Williams Laguna ex-British Touring Car Championship
€40,000 to €80,000, No Reserve

* 1993 Williams-Renault FW15 Formula 1 display car (above)
€40,000 to €80,000, No Reserve
 
* 1997 Benetton B197 Formula 1 display car in the colours of Jean Alesi’s car
€40,000 to €80,000, No Reserve
 
* 1970 Formula Renault ELF Gordini for children. One of eight genuine single-seater Renaults for children in period Renault-Elf-Gordini livery, working condition, with original helmet and race suit
€10,000 to €20,000, No Reserve
 
* 1985-1986 Renault Elf V6 Turbo EF15 engine. Original (new old) engine, running condition, never used for racing, delivered in original Renault Sport flight case
€60,000 to €100,000, No Reserve

Photos courtesy Artcurial/Renault Communication